The late 1980s and early '90s were a time of confusion for Irish music. Experiments mixing ancient music with a modern sensibility that began in the '70s bore fruit with the international successes of Clannad, Enya, and Ma... more &raquory Black. But the fusion of old and new also led to countless recordings in which harp noodling and synthesizer twiddling was passed off as Celtic music. When Altan released Horse with a Heart, it served as a welcome reminder that Irish music that hewed close to tradition still had a place in the world. Although this was Altan's second CD, it was the first where they gelled as a band. The wife-and-husband team of Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh and Frankie Kennedy are the emotional center of the group. When they play the fiddle and flute together you feel as if you are overhearing an intimate conversation. --Michael Simmons&laquo less

Synopsis

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The late 1980s and early '90s were a time of confusion for Irish music. Experiments mixing ancient music with a modern sensibility that began in the '70s bore fruit with the international successes of Clannad, Enya, and Mary Black. But the fusion of old and new also led to countless recordings in which harp noodling and synthesizer twiddling was passed off as Celtic music. When Altan released Horse with a Heart, it served as a welcome reminder that Irish music that hewed close to tradition still had a place in the world. Although this was Altan's second CD, it was the first where they gelled as a band. The wife-and-husband team of Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh and Frankie Kennedy are the emotional center of the group. When they play the fiddle and flute together you feel as if you are overhearing an intimate conversation. --Michael Simmons

CD Reviews

Fantastic songs, reels and highlands

09/15/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is truly a wonderful compilation of reels, jigs, airs and highlands. There are so many cd's out there which are marketed as "celtic music", carrying promises of relaxation while you listen. Happily, Altan's music, and this cd, belong in a very different category. There are some beautifully relaxing songs, however most of the tunes make you feel much better than just relaxed. The reels and jigs make me want to get up and dance, everytime I listen to them. In my opinion, the fiddling quality and lovely Gaelic vocals make this cd a real stand out. I would have liked to have seen a lyrics sheet included, but otherwise I have no complaints. It is extremely rare for me to appreciate every track on a cd, but I do like everyone of these very much."